HSBC completes privatisation of Hang Seng Bank

The privatisation is an investment for growth in Hong Kong, one of HSBC’s home markets, and is in line with HSBC’s strategy to increase leadership and market share where it has clear competitive advantage and the greatest opportunities to grow and support its clients.

HSBC aims to grow in Hong Kong by strengthening the banking presence of both HSBC Asia Pacific and Hang Seng, focusing on their relative strengths and competitive advantages, while allowing all customers to choose where to bank.

The Scheme was sanctioned by the High Court on 23 January 2026 and the reduction of Hang Seng Bank’s share capital was confirmed at the same hearing. The Scheme became effective on 26 January 2026, and all Scheme Shares have been cancelled and extinguished.

Upon completion of the Proposal, Hang Seng Bank became a wholly owned subsidiary of HSBC Asia Pacific and therefore HSBC Holdings. The listing of Hang Seng Bank shares was withdrawn from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on 27 January 2026.

Payment of the Scheme Consideration will be made by or on behalf of HSBC Asia Pacific on or before 4 February 2026.

All shares held by minority shareholders of Hang Seng Bank on the scheme record date (23 January 2026) have been cancelled in exchange for an immediate cash payment of HK$155 per share. HSBC now holds 100% of Hang Seng’s issued share capital.

Payment of the Scheme Consideration will be made by or on behalf of HSBC Asia Pacific on or before 4 February 2026.

Payment of the Scheme Consideration will be made by or on behalf of HSBC Asia Pacific on 4 February 2026.

If you held Hang Seng Bank shares electronically via a brokerage or securities account, your account should be credited on 4 February 2026.

If you held share certificates in Hang Seng Bank, or typically received your dividends by cheque, a cheque will be posted on 4 February 2026. If your address is in Hong Kong, you should receive the cheque within two business days.

HSBC continues to target a dividend payout ratio for 2025 of 50% of earnings per ordinary share excluding material notable items and related impacts, for its shareholders.

HSBC’s share buyback announced on 30 July 2025 was completed on 24 October 2025. HSBC Asia Pacific will finance the entire amount of the scheme consideration payable to the scheme shareholders from the internal resources of the HSBC Group. HSBC will not initiate any further share buybacks for three quarters from 9 October 2025. A decision to recommence buybacks will be subject to HSBC’s normal buyback considerations and process on a quarterly basis.